December GRE for January application?

[solivera68]

Hi everyone,

First time poster here! I'm wondering about whether it is a good idea to take the GRE in December as opposed to November 2011. My earliest application deadline is January 4th and I am aiming to take the test only once. Would a December 3 test date be early enough for my earliest (January 4th) deadline?

Thanks!

[remenis]

Hey there,

I might be wrong about this but I am pretty sure that it takes about 6 weeks for the Analytical writing section of the GRE scores to be graded - so likely that wouldn't be enough time for you to get the scores to your schools.

[solivera68]

I'm wondering about that part too. The ETS site lists the following:

If you test "November 29, 2011" or later then your score will be sent "10 – 15 days after the test date". Anyone else have any experience with this?

[Kitkat]

If it's after the initial period of getting test data for ETS, then yes it should take no longer then about two weeks after your test date. That was how it was before the change in the format of the test, so it should be the same afterward. Just make sure that your four earliest are the ones that you send your four free score reports out to. Then they will get sent out ASAP, and they are more likely to get there in time. You should also check up with the schools before the holidays to make sure that they get them, since it will be so close to the deadline.

[solivera68]

Thanks Kitkat! According to the ETS website, it does look like that is after the initial period of getting the test data, so I *think* I should be safe if I register for an early December test. *crosses fingers and toes*